Sky Garden

What to expect

Sky Garden crowns 20 Fenchurch Street, the 160 m tower nicknamed the Walkie-Talkie, designed by Rafael Viñoly and finished in 2014. The garden occupies the top three floors and opened in 2015. It is one of the few high viewpoints in the City where visiting is free, so it is a popular alternative to paying for the Shard.

Inside, a glass-walled space holds a landscaped garden with plants and a terrace, plus a bar and restaurants. You walk around the edge looking at the City of London skyline, the Thames and Tower Bridge. Free visits are limited to timed slots, so you book in advance and stay about an hour. Because it is open and airy, the mood is more relaxed than a formal observation deck.

Don't miss

• Panoramic views over the City of London
• The landscaped garden in the glass dome
• The outdoor terrace
• The City skyline
• The Thames and Tower Bridge

Tips for your visit

• Book your free slot online as early as you can, as places fill up.
• Pick a clear day and a late-afternoon slot for the best light.
• Arrive a little before your slot, since entry is by timed booking.
• Combine it with the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, a short walk east.